Beth never planned to return to Llancariad—or to see Rhys again.
Beth Alden hasn’t been home in years. The small seaside village of Llancariad holds too many painful memories, but when her mother suffers a fall, she has no choice but to go home.
As Beth settles back into life in North Wales, she’s forced to confront how much time has passed and how much her mother needs her. While trying to save the family’s struggling campsite, Beth’s past
catches up with her, stirring her anxiety and reminding her why she left.
Then Rhys Howell, her childhood best friend and first kiss, offers to help.
Rhys has never forgotten Beth or the kiss that changed everything. As they work together to revive the campsite, their friendship reignites, along with feelings he’s spent years trying to ignore.
But
while Rhys can imagine their future together, Beth is adamant she must go back to her life in the city.
Can Beth find the courage to stay, or will she run back to London, breaking both their hearts?
Tropes
🧡 Friends to lovers
🧡 Dual POV
🧡 Small Town Romance
🧡 Forced Proximity
🧡 Anxiety
🧡 Childhood bullying trauma
🧡 He Falls First
🧡 Always Been You
🧡 Closed Door
Elizabeth Holland is a writer of romance novels. She enjoys the escapism of picking up a book and losing herself in a new world. Elizabeth is a keen advocate for mental health and often speaks out about her own struggles. She writes to escape her own thoughts. When Elizabeth isn’t writing, she’s usually outside walking the dog. Her favourite walks are when it’s cold and rainy, so she can work on her next plot.
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Enjoy an exclusive extract from the book
The Little Campsite by the Sea is a cosy romance, but it also explores the difficult topics of bullying and anxiety. Below is an extract from when Beth and Rhys become locked inside the campsite’s cabin, triggering a panic attack for Beth. It’s a tender moment between them, while also showing the impact of anxiety.
“It’s okay. Maybe I can squeeze through one of the windows and try opening the door from the other side?”
That familiar heaviness was settling in her chest, and she needed to find a way out.
“Beth, I mean this in the nicest way possible, you cannot fit through those windows.”
She eyed the small porthole windows and, as much as it pained her, she had to admit Rhys was right.
“Can’t you call someone?” asked Rhys.
“My phone’s dead. What about you?” Beth massaged her chest as the pressure built.
He groaned. “It’s in my toolbox in the car.”
“So we’re stuck here?” Beth’s breath came in quick, sharp waves. She fought to fill her lungs, but with
every breath she took, her lungs screamed for air. Her hands shook, and she pulled at her t-shirt, which was
growing tighter around her neck. Pins and needles crept up the right-hand side of her body.
“Are you okay?” Rhys asked, panic flashing across his face.
Beth tried to speak, but she couldn’t, as she gasped for breath. She shook her head. Her fingers instinctively went to her wrist, but the band wasn’t there. Fear churned in the pit of her stomach, and her eyes widened as she fought to breathe.
“It’s okay.” Rhys took her hands in his.
The firm pressure pulled Beth’s mind back from the brink, and her breathing slowed enough for her to gasp down a lungful of air. The room spun, and her legs were like jelly. Rhys seemed to realise, and he
wrapped an arm around her waist before she fell to the ground.
“Come on, let’s sit you down.” He helped her over to the sofa, which was pushed up against the far wall.
Beth had thrown a dust sheet over it, so it was mostly clean.
Rhys made sure she was seated before he knelt in front of her, gathering her hands in his. Beth anchored her gaze on him as he coached her through some long, deep breaths. Slowly, the room stopped spinning, and the pins and needles lessened. She flexed her fingers to shake off the last of it.
“How are you doing?” Rhys asked, his thumb rubbing circles on her hand.
Beth closed her eyes and focused on his soft touch against her skin. A warmth travelled up her arm and settled in her chest. “Sorry,” she whispered as embarrassment rolled over her.
